What inspires a drawing? For me, it usually begins with a need to release some baggage that threatens to slow down my day. First a voice whispers, “I must draw something.” Then an objection arises, “but what are you going to draw?” And finally a stubborn retort, “I don’t know! But if I don’t, the desire will stalk my thoughts. I will see sinuous lines where no lines exist, shadows where there should be highlights, reds where you know there should be greens!” Then I dive into a sea of images, images that seem to infect the wallpapers lining my dreams. I bring them into focus. I introduce them to each other and let them mingle. Finally, I set the mood with some music and record them dancing.

“WIP Chronic Ambitions” (Illustrated by Arlene Ellis, 2013).8×6

“WIP Chronic Ambitions” (Illustrated by Arlene Ellis, 2013).8×6

“The venom of the lionfish, delivered via an array of up to 18 needle-like dorsal fins, is purely defensive. It relies on camouflage and lightning-fast reflexes to capture prey, mainly fish and shrimp. A sting from a lionfish is extremely painful to humans and can cause nausea and breathing difficulties, but is rarely fatal.” -National Geographic